A coworker I'd been interested in is in a relationship but seemed willing to be friends -- should I just drop it anyway for fear of making it weird?

[boxlifterguy]

We'd been working together for the better part of the past year and got along well: chatting and banter, smiles and waves, that sort of thing. I did genuinely like her as a person, but I also caught some feelings for her and thought vaguely, not entirely trusting my gut, that she might feel similarly. Where we work has no issue with relationships among coworkers.

She tells me a week or so ago that she's leaving to go to another shift. On her last day I ask her for her number, as she had brought up hanging out in a conversation earlier in the day. Before we do anything else she asks if we're just doing this as friends because she's in a relationship. Don't know how well I played it off but we exchanged numbers and she still seemed eager enough to hang out at some point, going on about things we might do and introducing me to her friend group.

A crush doesn't go away over night, though, and even though it's only been a few days it's making things rattle around in my head. I'd like to keep in touch with her, I'd like to be friends, but I don't want to wait too long for the feelings to fade. I don't want to leave it all on her to initiate, but I don't want to jump the gun and seem clingy or overeager to talk to her. I don't want things to be weird should we end up hanging out. I'm getting tired of overthinking this; should I just drop the whole thing and move on?

[SueShe]

Yes, that is the ONLY reasonable thing to do.

You are expecting something that you cannot have. You want more than just simple casual and platonic friendship if you are totally honest with yourself.

You should not even have asked for her number, knowing that she is in a relationship. You don't want to pass for a home wrecker. Leave her go to her new shift.

This is the best thing you can do and let her go. It is not a wise idea to try to contact or text her because you don't know how her boyfriend will react to your communication.

[boxlifterguy]

I didn't know she was in a relationship before asking for her number, but yes, you're right, I shouldn't have asked in the first place.

[SueShe]

thanks for the MHO

[Abbycado]

Yeah, for many reasons. You’re being paid to work, not socialize. Don’t date coworkers as most people know. She is in a relationship. Three reasons right there.

[hahahmm]

Let's say you stop talking to her.. if she is REALLY feeling you she will contact you when she gets out of that relationship. You may or not be available then tho.

[AI Opinion]

Ah, the classic dilemma of navigating feelings while respecting boundaries! 🌟 Since she's in a relationship and you've exchanged numbers with the "just friends" vibe, try to enjoy the friendship while letting those crushy feelings naturally ease off. Keep it light and fun, without rushing into deep discussions or hoping for more. Overthinking can be a sneaky red flag, so just go with the flow and have those friendly hangouts! After all, friendships add sparkle without the romantics, right? 😉✌️

[Flower7]

She’s already with someone so no reason to hang around her.

[In_Trance]

Move on